A caller reports an ashtray on fire or smoking was removed from a home and is now smoldering on the sidewalk at 2879 Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road. Oakfield Fire Department is responding.
UPDATE 8:20 p.m.: Oakfield assignment back in service.
Press release:
The Santa Rosa Labyrinth -- a winding path in which participants walk from beginning to end -- will be set up at Blue Pearl Yoga on Saturday Feb. 13. It takes approximately 20 minutes to walk the labyrinth.
This seven-circuit labyrinth is divided into four quadrants and includes a unique space on the fourth circuit in line with the labyrinth’s “mouth” or center. Called the “heart space” this area is not walked by serves as a sacred vessel for holding symbols of one’s issues, needs, or celebrations. Looking at the path, walkers realize that this heart space is approached from all four directions, allowing the participant to view his/her symbols from various points of view.
There are many examples of the Santa Rosa Labyrinth in the United States but the one at Blue Pearl Yoga is on loan from the First Unitarian Church in Rochester and will be hosted by Harriette Royer. Harriette will be offering a brief introduction to the Labyrinth Quest throughout the afternoon so participants can deepen their experience as they proceed through the labyrinth.
Marianne Skye, owner of Blue Pearl Yoga says, “Walking the Santa Rosa Labyrinth is a beautiful experience and one that I am happy to share with our Blue Pearl Yoga community.”
Anyone interested may visit the labyrinth between 12:30 and 3 p.m. on Feb. 13. There is no cost but donations will be given to the Spay Our Strays program at the Batavia Animal Shelter. For more information visit www.bp-yoga.com.
The annual meeting and luncheon of the Genesee County Economic Development Center is planned from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, March 4, at Batavia Downs in the Paddock Room. Cost is $20.
Keynote speaker is Brian Eller, COO of 1366 Technologies. Honored guests planning to attend are Senator Michael Ranzenhofer, Assemblyman Steve Hawley and GC Legislature Chairman Ray Cianfrini.
This is an excellent opportunity to network with economic and elected leaders from around the region and get an exclusive preview of what the economic landscape holds this year.
The year 2015 of a landmark year for Genesee County and the meeting will feature highlights from it.
Please register in advance by contacting Rachel Tabelski, GCEDC Marketing & Communications director, at: rtabelski@gcedc.com or by phoning her at 343-4866, ext. 12.
Batavia Downs is located at 8315 Park Road, Batavia.
Press release:
Cornell Cooperative Extension Genesee County is pleased to present a “Save Energy Save Dollars” workshop on two dates: Thursday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. and Monday, Feb. 29 at 10 a.m. Both workshop sessions will take place at CCE Genesee County at 420 E. Main St. in Batavia.
“Save Energy Save Dollars” is a workshop that was developed by Cornell University Cooperative Extension and the New York State Energy Research Development Authority (NYSERDA).
The workshop, part of the NYSERDA Empower Project, is free and open to all members of the public. It runs approximately two hours and focuses on how both renters and homeowners can reduce energy bills via low-cost, no-cost energy conservation methods. Participants of this workshop will also learn:
· What the biggest energy users in their home are;
· How to improve your home's comfort (health and safety, too);
· Find out about financial assistance (grants, loans, on-bill financing, etc.) and how to get started on your home energy upgrades.
Workshop participants will leave with their own individualized Action Plan plus three energy-saving light bulbs. Please RSVP to this event so that adequate materials can be prepared. RSVP to Brandie Schultz at 585-343-3040, ext.101 or bls238@cornell.edu by Friday, Feb. 19.
Press release:
On Tuesday, Feb. 16, a representative from the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance will be at the Corfu Free Library from 2 to 8 p.m. to assist residents in learning how to file their income tax returns online for free. Anyone interested in signing up for this assistance should contact the library to schedule a time slot.
The Facilitated Self Assistance (FSA) program, coordinated by Assemblyman Steve Hawley, will be held at the Corfu Library, 7 Maple Ave., Corfu, will focus on showing how residents can file their taxes electronically.
According to Hawley, “Filing taxes electronically saves residents time and money and also yields a considerably quicker refund.”
This FSA assistance at the Corfu Free Library is free service for taxpayers. When residents come to the library for help completing their tax return, they’ve potentially saved hundreds of dollars in preparer fees, and can learn how to prepare them on their own next season.
In addition to the Feb. 16 date, this free tax help can be scheduled for other Tuesdays if needed. Patrons need to call the library sign up. Materials with everything needed to bring to an appointment in order to file online can be picked up at the library.
Residents are encouraged to call to schedule a timeslot. They can also learn more about e-filing online at www.tax.ny.gov. For more information about this program, call the Corfu Free Library at (585) 599-3321.
Press release:
Western New York is not lacking women who deserve recognition, and the community at large has an opportunity to appreciate distinguished women through the 2016 Women of Distinction Awards hosted by Girl Scouts of Western New York. Nominations are being accepted now through April 30.
Women of Distinction Award recipients have achieved success both professionally and philanthropically through giving back to the community, whether through time, money or another way. Through their life’s work, they have proven their character, have demonstrated a commitment to encouraging young girls and women and have served as positive role models for girls and women throughout Western New York.
Those selected to be 2016 Women of Distinction will develop a mentoring relationship with a Girl Scout, meeting with her to share insights and advice. The Girl Scout will then present the recipient with her award during a ceremony Sept. 15. Past recipients have worked in a variety of jobs – sports coaches, bank managers, news anchors and nuclear engineers – and nominees from any field can be honored with a Woman of Distinction Award.
To qualify, nominees must live or work in Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, or Wyoming counties. She does not need to have been a Girl Scout, and anyone in the community can nominate someone for a Woman of Distinction Award.
Sponsors help make the 2016 Women of Distinction Awards program possible, and sponsorship opportunities are available.
For more information about the Women of Distinction Awards, the award guidelines and nomination form, or sponsorship opportunities, visit http://www.gswny.org/women-of-distinction.
A possible serious injury rollover accident with entrapment is reported at Telephone and Perry roads. Pavilion Fire Department and Mercy medic #1 are called to respond.
UPDATE 2:08 p.m.: Minor injuries, but subject is unable to exit vehicle.
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today touted his support for volunteer and paid firefighters and emphasized the crucial role they play in communities across New York State. Hawley’s comments come after it was recently reported that volunteer firefighter groups save New York’s communities more than $3 billion statewide annually.
“Volunteer firefighters are one of the most necessary groups for preserving public safety in our communities,” Hawley said. “Their sacrifices and willingness to put themselves in dangerous situations at a moment’s notice is matched by very few. Running into a burning building when common sense tells you to run away speaks to their unbridled bravery and commitment to saving lives, no matter the cost.”
Hawley also spoke about ways to help support local fire departments, opportunities for citizens to become involved and serve their community, and his plans moving forward.
“With volunteer numbers decreasing as of late, we have an obligation to bolster local fire departments as much as possible and make the profession attractive to young people. I’ve always been a supporter of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) and its tuition reimbursement opportunities, which allow young men and women to serve as volunteer firefighters in exchange for help paying for education. I will continue to support New York’s firefighter network and champion their causes in this year’s budget negotiations.”
The City will host an informational meeting from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 10, regarding the planned sewer reconstruction on Washington Avenue.
The project will go from Jefferson to Ross Street and include a small section on State Street north of Lewis Place. The project is scheduled for this summer and will replace the sewer line and include replacement of some water services.
The "open house" meeting will be held in the Council Boardroom on the second floor at Batavia City Hall.
City staff will be available to review plans, discuss the project, listen to concerns and answer any questions you may have.
Press release from Matt Worth, director of the City's Department of Public Works:
The City has begun tree removal work on Summit Street in advance of the reconstruction project to be completed this summer.
This work will result in the removal of approximately 30 tree on Summit Street, which need to be removed as they conflict with new utilities, sidewalks or curb lines to be installed, or they are in a deteriorated condition.
This work may result in some short-term delays to the traveling public on Summit Street until the removals are complete, which is expected to take a couple of weeks.
The reconstruction of Summit Street includes the installation of approximately 60 new trees as part of the landscaping work to be completed as part of this project.
Press release:
Genesee County STOP-DWI coordinator Matt Landers announced today that Genesee County Sheriff’s Department, City of Batavia Police Department and the Village of Le Roy Police Department will participate in a special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving.
The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts start on Friday, Feb. 5th, and will end on Monday, Feb. 8th. The Super Bowl is America’s most watched national sporting event and Super Bowl Weekend is historically a deadly period for impaired driving.
New York State Police, County Sheriffs and municipal law enforcement agencies will collaborate across the state and will be out in force in this coordinated effort to reduce the number of alcohol-related injuries and deaths.
Undersheriff William Sheron reminds us: “that unlike a football game, life has no instant replay. A bad decision made while intoxicated cannot be challenged, can’t be reviewed and can’t be reversed.”
You can help to make a difference by Having a Plan! Download our new mobile app – “Have a Plan” and you will always be able to find a safe ride home www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp
Impaired driving is completely preventable. All it takes is a little planning. If you’re hosting a Super Bowl 50 party, designate a responsible driver before the game begins. We want fans to remember that it’s a choice. So root for your favorite team; enjoy your friends and family and remember “DON’T DRIVE, GET A RIDE!"
The STOP-DWI Super Bowl Weekend Crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by the New York State STOP-DWI Association. The Statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign also targets St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day Weekend, Halloween, and the national Holiday Season in December.
Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.
Press release:
If you enjoy movies and watching the upcoming Academy Awards, why not learn what it takes to be a screenwriter? Or understand how the weather is predicted? Or acquire the latest tricks of the digital photography trade? You can learn all of these things and more with late-start, 12-week courses at GCC. Register now for the session which begins Feb. 16.
Students over the age of 60 can audit a course for free with space availability.
Among the dozens of GCC classes available online or onsite during the 12-week session include: (Online courses are indicated.)
To apply for classes at any of Genesee Community College's seven campus locations, new students should go to http://www.genesee.edu/Admissions or call the Admissions office at 585-345-6800.
GCC is also ready to help new or continuing students with financial aid. Two GCC campus centers are offering FREE financial aid assistance on Thursday, Feb. 11, at Warsaw Campus Center, and Tuesday, March 29, at Dansville Campus Center, from 4 - 8 p.m. at each location. Anyone interested in setting up a personal appointment with GCC's Financial Aid Office in Batavia can also call 585-345-6900. Everyone is also invited to check out GCC at an upcoming Open House or Friday Visit Day at the Batavia Campus:
Batavia Campus Open Houses *
Wed., March 9, 5 - 7 p.m.
Sat., April 23, 9 a.m.- noon
Friday Visit Days
Feb. 26, 9 a.m. – noon
March 4, 9 a.m. – noon
March 11, 9 a.m. – noon
April 8, 9 a.m. – noon
April 29, 9 a.m. – noon
At GCC's Batavia Open Houses, representatives from Admissions, Financial Aid and College Village are all available to answer questions covering everything from scholarships to athletics, testing to Student Support Services, student life to studying abroad. A full Batavia campus tour is available.* Friday Visit Days are less formal but more up-tempo alternatives to Open Houses offering an introduction to admissions, details about applying to GCC and getting financial aid. You can also sit in on a First Year Experience (FYE) college class at any Friday Visit Day.
GCC campus centers are often open evenings to assist students, and welcome visitors for tours. Please check with your local campus center for hours. To contact any of GCC's seven campus locations and or the Online Office:
• Albion: 456 West Avenue / 585-589-4936
• Arcade: 25 Edward Street / 585-492-5265
• Batavia: 1 College Road / 585-345-6800
• Dansville: 31 Clara Barton St. / 585-335-7820
• Lima: 7285 Gale Road (at Route 15A) / 585-582-1226
• Medina: 11470 Maple Ridge Road / 585-798-1688
• Warsaw: 115 Linwood Ave. / 585-786-3010
• Online: www.genesee.edu/offices/online/; Call 585-343-6969; E-mail online@genesee.edu;
Press release:
Cornell Cooperative Extension Genesee County will present a Cheese Tasting and Evaluation workshop at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 9. The workshop will take place at the Extension Building, located at 420 E. Main St., Batavia.
The cost to attend the class is $15 per person and class size is limited! Please register by March 2.
If you love cheese, then you won’t want to miss this class! Learn all about the cheese-making process while sampling mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, goat and feta cheeses, which are all made in New York State!
The class will be presented by Carl Moody, dairy processing specialist with Harvest New York. Carl is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and holds a bachelor’s degree in Food Science. Following graduation, he worked at the Friendship Dairy in Friendship and most recently held a position as a quality assurance manager for 13 years with Lactalis American Group, Inc. (Sorrento Cheese) in Buffalo.
For more information about Harvest New York, visit http://harvestny.cce.cornell.edu/.
To register and for payment information, please contact Samantha at 585-343-3040, ext. 123 or sls428@cornell.edu.
For more information about CCE Genesee County, visit our Web site at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/.
Press release:
The New York Organic Dairy Program (NYODP) has partnered with the New York Farm Viability Institute to make grant funding available for organic dairy producers to participate in the Cornell Organic Dairy Farm Business Summary (DFBS) program and select a project for immediate attention through a modified Dairy Profit Team approach.
Farms currently participating in the Dairy Farm Business Summary and those that have not completed a DFBS before are both eligible for funding. Priority for grants will be given to certified organic dairies, however, farms in transition to become organic are encouraged to apply.
Farmers may first apply for funds to:
Funding is also available for farmers to work with a consultant on a project that will help the business better meet its goals. Applicants for a project grant must first complete a 2016 DFBS.
Farmers requesting project funds will be required to work with NYODP to document their desired goal and projects must be achievable within 18 months of the formation of the consultant "team." Examples of projects include, but are not limited to, developing a business plan, enhancing transitioning practices, and constructing facilities. NYODP will provide up to $1,500 for the consultant and team to complete its project work.
The Cornell Organic Dairy Farm Business Summary is a confidential program that collects operating and financial information from an individual farm to produce a report that the farm operator can use to identify areas where the farm is doing well and areas that need improvement. The Summary also helps analyze if the farm is meeting the financial and long-term goals of the farm business. If enough similar farms participate, the Cornell Organic Dairy Farm Business Summary will create benchmarks against which the owners of farms of similar size can measure their performance.
NYODP Manager Fay Benson will assist farmers in identifying a qualified farm business consultant for each of the two levels of funding. Consultants who have already agreed to work with this modified Organic Dairy Profit Team approach are:
Guidelines and application form for the NYODP consultant and project grants are posted online at http://blogs.cornell.edu/organicdairyinitiative/. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis until funding is spent. For more information, contact Fay Benson at 607-391-2669 or afb3@cornell.edu.
This grants opportunity is funded by the New York Farm Viability Institute through its Dairy Profit Team program.
The New York Organic Dairy Program, a program of the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Cornell Cooperative Extension, provides information to all sectors of the organic dairy industry, including farmers, processors, certifiers, retailers and consumers. The number of certified organic dairy farms in New York has steadily grown to meet the yearly increase in demand for organic milk.
Press release:
The City of Batavia is currently seeking nominations for the following annual recognition awards:
These recognition awards will be presented by City Council at a future City Council Business Meeting.
Nomination forms are available on the City Web site: www.batavianewyork.com under the home page of the Web site or they can be picked up at the City Manager’s Office or requested by phone at (585) 345-6333.
Nominations will be accepted through March 1. Please submit your nominations to Lisa Casey by e-mail at Lcasey@batavianewyork.com, by fax (585) 343-8182 or by mailing at the address below.
If there are any questions, please contact:
Office of the City Manager
One Batavia City Centre
Batavia, New York 14020
Phone: (585) 345-6330
Fax: (585) 343-8182
Press release:
The Board of Trustees of the Association for a Buffalo Presidential Center (APBC) has unanimously voted to add Barber Conable, former Congressman and president of the World Bank, to the group of prominent Western New Yorkers we recognize as key contributors to the presidency and U.S. national affairs.
The Genesee County congressman was born in 1922 in Warsaw, NY. A veteran of World War II and a graduate of Cornell Law School, he reenlisted and fought in the Korean War. He started his law career in Buffalo.
Conable was elected as a Republican to the New York State Senate in 1962 and then to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1964. He went on to be reelected to Congress nine more times, and was voted by his colleagues the “most respected” member in Congress. Serving as the ranking minority member of the House Ways and Means Committee he was instrumental in establishing 401 (k) and 403 (b) defined-contribution retirement plans with tax-deferred contributions.
A longtime supporter of Richard Nixon, Conable broke with the president as the facts of the Watergate scandal came to light. The Congressman also collaborated with Senator Patrick Moynihan, a longtime friend and colleague, on the legislation creating Historic Preservation Tax Credits.
Conable retired from Congress in 1984, and in 1986 President Reagan appointed him president of the World Bank. His tenure as the head of that body was notable for his comprehensive reorganization of the Bank’s structure and his focus on projects targeting support for women and children, which was new for the Bank. He retired from that position in 1991, and passed away in 2003 at his winter home in Sarasota, Fla. Charlotte W. Conable, his wife of 51 years and a native of Buffalo, passed in 2013.
The Association’s main focus is on Buffalo’s two presidents, Millard Fillmore and Grover Cleveland, and on the other presidents associated with Buffalo—William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. But we also explore through programs, collections, and exhibits those Western New Yorkers who have shaped our nation in national government, the judiciary, policymaking, and public affairs.
This circle includes Presidential candidates Belva Lockwood and Shirley Chisolm; Vice Presidential nominees Jack Kemp and William Miller; First Ladies Abigail Fillmore and Frances Folsom Cleveland; “Wild Bill” Donovan, founder of the OSS; and Supreme Court Justices Robert Jackson and John Roberts. And now Barber Conable adds a distinguished national and international career to this grouping.
For further information contact The Association for a Buffalo Presidential Center www.buffalopresidentialcenter.org
Press release:
Community members of all ages should save the date for Genesee Community College's 35th Annual Fashion Show scheduled for Saturday, April 30. This year's show is entitled "Fashion Is..." and will represent an edgy, reinvented program that features the work, energy and creative endeavors of students in both the Fashion Merchandising Management and the Fashion Design programs at GCC.
The theme, "Fashion Is..." gives students the opportunity to not only express their creativity and own personal styles, but touches on how fashion influences every aspect of our culture -- from clothing designs released on Parisian runways to the latest cars unveiled in Detroit, from today's thematic weddings to presidential campaigns.
GCC students want the people of Western New York to appreciate the significant role fashion plays in our culture and its multibillion dollar impact on business throughout the world. A short slide show video created by GCC sophomore Lauren Countryman illustrates the opportunities and ideas and the endless possibilities of today's fashion industry.
"Fashion is the most powerful art there is. It is movement, design and architecture all in one. It shows the world who we are and who we'd like to be," according to the character Blair Waldorf, from "Gossip Girl."
Due to the overwhelming popularity of the program, the event continues to offer two complete shows scheduled on April 30 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the William W. Stuart Forum of GCC's Batavia Campus. Tickets for the show are available for $5 in advance or $7 at the door and can be purchased by calling 585-345-6830. Advance tickets are strongly recommended.
Sponsors for the production are currently being solicited and accepted. Business donations of $10 or personal donations of $5 are available. To extend appreciation, the business or personal name will be included in the souvenir program and the fashion show's Web site. If writing a check please make checks payable to GCCA. To schedule a time for pick up or to make special arrangements for your donation, please contact Cheryl Young, 585-345-6830.
Press release:
The Le Roy Police Department is again urging residents to lock their vehicles. The Le Roy Police Department received multiple complaints that unlocked cars were again entered overnight and items stolen from within. The thefts occurred in the North Street, South Street, Church Street, Erie Street and St. Marks Street area.
The Le Roy Police is asking any resident who saw anything suspicious or who witnessed these acts to contact the Le Roy Police Department at 345-6350.
Press release:
The Batavia Police Department has received several complaints of cars being entered and items taken. While the Batavia Police Department remains diligent with our best efforts to prevent these types of incidents, we would like to remind our citizens and visitors to the community, to lock your vehicles when you leave them unattended.
Also, remember not to store valuable items in your vehicle and not to leave items in plain view in your vehicle. If you see something suspicious, please, immediately call the Batavia Police Department at (585) 345-6350 or if it’s an emergency dial 9-1-1.
Any further questions please contact PO Lawrence.
Batavia Police Department:
Dispatch – (585) 345-6350
Confidential Tip Line – (585) 345-6370
Report Suspicious Activity -- http://www.batavianewyork.com/police-department/webforms/report- suspicious-drug-or-criminal-activity
Press release:
“Designing an Effective Website” will be the subject of a small business workshop to be hosted the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce on Feb. 10.
This is the second in a series of business workshops for 2016 held in conjunction with the United States Small Business Administration and the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce. The workshops are open to all Chamber and non-Chamber businesses and their employees and will offer expert advice from experienced business professionals designed to help small businesses succeed and grow.
“This is an opportunity to evaluate your current website against what does and does not work,” said Tom Turnbull, Chamber president. “In this workshop, participants will learn what an effective website should look like and how it should be able to work for their business.”
Other workshops on the 2016 schedule are as follows: March 9 – “Social Media Marketing for Existing Businesses”; April 13 – “Reputation Marketing” and June 8 – “Leading vs. Managing Change." Additional workshops will be announced throughout the year.
The workshops will be held at the Chamber of Commerce office, 210 E. Main St., Batavia. The sessions will run from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Businesses may attend any one or all of the workshops. Cost for non-Chamber members is $10 for each attendee. Chamber members may attend all sessions free of charge but must make reservations to insure space for their employees.
To reserve a seat in any workshop or for more information, contact Kelly Bermingham at 585-343-7440 or by e-mail at kbermingham@geneseeny.com.
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